ICMR says 20 crore Indians suffer from hypertension; understanding the reasons and main culprit(s)

Imagine a health crisis silently impacting over 20 crore Indians, i.e. 200 million of them. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the harsh reality of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in India.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there are an estimated 20 crore adults with hypertension in India, of whom approximately only 2 crores have it under control. This has made hypertension “a serious, and growing, health issue in India today,” the medical body said in a report.

India has 20crore people with hypertension, but 19crore are uncontrolled. #WorldHypertensionDay

Measure BP every 6 months,
Eat less salt diet,
Walk at least 30min daily &
8hrs sleep can make a difference. https://t.co/XVyFaE0hxR #HealthyIndia @ICMRDELHI @ResolveTSL @WHO

— ICMR – National Institute of Epidemiology (@icmr_nie) May 17, 2024

Dr Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained the reasons behind this alarming prevalence is a consequence of several converging factors:

Unhealthy Habits: Poor dietary choices, high in salt and fat, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and sleep disturbances, create a recipe for hypertension.

Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: These conditions often go hand-in-hand with hypertension, further increasing the risk.

Genetics: While lifestyle plays a major role, genetic predisposition also contributes.

Ageing Population: As India’s life expectancy increases, the number of people susceptible to hypertension naturally rises.

Beyond a number: The devastating impact

The sheer number of individuals with hypertension is concerning because it translates to a significant public health crisis. According to Dr Gupta, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for life-threatening conditions like stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease.

This puts a tremendous strain on the healthcare system and significantly impacts the quality of life for millions.

Here’s how we can tackle hypertension at an individual level (file)

Salt: The silent culprit

ICMR recently suggested in its dietary guidelines for Indians that high salt intake could be one of the reasons for India’s deteriorating health. Dr Gupta said their focus on high salt intake is well-founded.

“Numerous studies establish a clear link between excessive salt consumption and elevated blood pressure. Traditional Indian diets, often heavy in salt from a young age, contribute to this problem. Processed foods, refined oils, and everyday dietary practices add to the equation,” he said.

Fortunately, there’s hope. Here’s how we can tackle hypertension at an individual level:

• Embrace a low-salt diet, become a label-reading pro to monitor salt content, and include potassium-rich foods in your meals.
• Regular exercise, good sleep habits, stress management techniques, and managing diabetes (if applicable) are all crucial weapons in this fight.
• Don’t forget – quitting smoking is essential!

The government can play a vital role by regulating salt content in processed foods and ensuring clear labelling, noted Dr Gupta. Public health campaigns can raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt intake.

Additionally, regular blood pressure screenings starting at a young age, coupled with promoting healthy dietary changes in schools and workplaces, can significantly impact future generations.

The healthcare system can contribute by training professionals to effectively screen for and manage hypertension. Increasing accessibility to hypertension management programs, especially in rural areas, would ensure wider access to essential care.

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